National Health Service

This page provides an overview of the UK National Health Service (NHS). It explains how international students can access healthcare and what to expect while studying in the UK.

In the UK, healthcare is provided through the National Health Service (NHS), which supports both physical and mental health. The NHS is used by residents across the UK and provides access to services such as General Practitonaire (GP) appointments, hospital care, mental health support, and emergency treatment. Most NHS services are free at the point of use, although some treatments may involve a charge.

This page explains how the NHS works, what healthcare you can access, and how to register for services while studying in Edinburgh.

Find out more about how the UK medical system works

NHS factsheet - Healthcare for People Coming to Scotland to Study

If you’re studying on a course lasting longer than six months and require a Student visa, you’ll need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This gives you access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), allowing you to receive medical care in the same way as UK residents.

Visit the UK Government website to:

Find out if you need to pay the immigration healthcare surcharge

Check how much you’ll have to pay


Before you go to university/college, you should ensure you’ve had the following vaccinations:

  • 2 doses of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) containing vaccines 
  • MenACWY vaccination, which protects against four meningococcal serogroups (A, C, W and Y) that can cause invasive meningococcal disease) 
  • HPV vaccination, which protects against cervical and certain other cancers caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), as well as genital warts
  • Td/IPV booster vaccination which protects against diphtheria, tetanus and polio 

More information can be found on our student vaccinations page:

Student vaccinations


Infectious diseases can spread easily in university and residential college communities. A new, time-limited MenB vaccine offer is available this year, for all those of school-leaving age, those aged under 25 starting at university for the first time, and those aged under 25 and starting further education for the first time who will be living in college accommodation or college halls of residence this autumn.

Meningococcal group B (MenB) bacteria can cause serious, life-threatening illnesses including meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord) and septicaemia (blood poisoning) which can both lead to sepsis. Being around lots of new people in shared living spaces like university halls increases the risk of the bacteria that cause meningococcal disease spreading.

In the UK, the vaccine that is being used to vaccinate young people as part of the time-limited offer is called Bexsero® (4CMenB). This is given as a two-dose course, with at least 28 days between each dose. You need both doses of the vaccination for protection. 

Depending on which country you normally live in, you may find that another MenB vaccine called Trumenba® is used in your country. This can be given as a 2-dose course (to ensure protection these does must be given at least 6 months apart) or as a 3-dose course. As the Trumenba® vaccine is not being used in the UK programme, if you have received a Trumenba® vaccine, it is strongly recommended to complete your course before coming to the UK for protection. Whichever vaccine you have, it’s important to note the vaccine and the date you received it in your vaccination record, e.g., International Vaccination Book or vaccine record card. 

More information about how to get vaccinated when you are in the UK can be found on our student vaccinations page:

Student vaccinations


 


It is very important to bring a comprehensive and up-to-date summary of your medical record with you and any proposed management plan (all written in English).

If you suffer from an ongoing chronic illness, requiring regular medication, you must bring at least a 3-month supply with you and consult with your registered doctor soon after you arrive. It is helpful to carry your medication in its original packaging so that it can be easily identified.

Not all medications used overseas are available in the UK, via the NHS, so it's important to have your own supply if time is needed to identify alternatives.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, we strongly advise that you register with a GP surgery as soon as you arrive. 

Register with a GP


In the UK, most ADHD medications are classified as controlled substances and require a hospital consultant's prescription.

If you are coming to study in Edinburgh from overseas, to be prescribed ADHD medications you must see a National Health Service (NHS) consultant and a referral from your GP is necessary for this. Unfortunately, the wait for a NHS ADHD assessment is very lengthy.

If you are taking medication for ADHD, we therefore suggest you try to bring a lengthy supply of medication with you, accompanied by medical reports relating to the psychiatric assessment you had for ADHD. Alternatively, you may choose to pay for a private assessment in the UK and pay for private prescriptions, but this can become costly.

If you have ADHD, we strongly advise that you contact the Student Disability and Learning Support Service which will be able to provide advice on the support available.

Student Disability and Learning Support Service


What to expect What this means for you
Register with a GP when you arrive A GP (General Practitioner) is your main point of contact for healthcare in the UK. You should register with a local GP as soon as you arrive, even if you are currently well.
GPs are your first step for medical care If you need medical advice or treatment, you should contact your GP first. They will assess your needs and advise on next steps.
Specialist care requires a GP referral In most cases, you cannot book an appointment with a specialist directly. Your GP will refer you if specialist treatment is needed.
Appointments are usually booked by phone It’s best to call your GP practice early in the day to request an appointment. The receptionist may ask briefly about your symptoms — this is normal and helps ensure you are seen by the right person. You do not need to go into detailed medical information.
Care is only provided while you are in the UK NHS services cannot consult with you if you are outside the UK. You must be physically in the UK to receive NHS care or advice.
You need a UK phone number GP practices and NHS services usually contact patients by phone or text. Having a UK mobile number ensures they can contact you about appointments, test results, or follow-up care.

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